Pirates Memorialize Former Teammate

August 21, 1993|By ERIC M. PUGH Daily Press

HAMPTON — They came to comfort each other, pray together and remember a lost friend and teammate.

About 200 people attended the memorial service Friday evening for 20-year-old Fred Siggers at the Hampton University's Memorial Chapel. Siggers, an HU student and football player, collapsed during a team meeting and died of cardiac-related problems Sunday afternoon.

``Let us take down the walls that separate us,'' Rev. Emmett N. Taliaferro said during the 40-minute memorial. ``When we do that, the spirit of Fred will be made whole.''

Siggers' sudden death left players and coaches stunned. The Pirates had not practiced Sunday. The team attended church service on campus in the morning and then had lunch at the Virginia Hall cafeteria. Siggers, a reserve linebacker, had not been practicing, nor was he exerted. Doctors have not determined the exact cause of death.

At Friday's service, HU assistant coach Donald Hill and offensive lineman Floyd Martin performed a duet; Brian Gardner, a team supporter, played a saxophone solo; and HU assistant coach Franky Smith closed the evening by singing a solo on ``Stand by Me.''

Siggers' white jersey, emblazoned with a blue No. 30, was draped over a stand at the pulpit.

Siggers' body had been flown to his hometown for today's 10 a.m. funeral services at the Family Christian Center in Gary, Ind. HU head coach Joe Taylor flew to Gary on Friday to be with the Siggers family and attend this morning's funeral service.

Several HU players stepped to the pulpit to reflect on Siggers' memory.

``Fred was always the kind of guy to keep you up, keep you inspired,'' said defensive back Johann Fuller. ``He was positive - with his books and with his attitude - and that made other people positive. One thing that Fred's death made me realize is that you all are more than just friends; you all are like brothers to me.''

Smith also reflected on the young man he coached.

``He wasn't a guy with a lot of athletic ability, but Fred was always a guy who wanted to compete,'' Smith said.

Smith said he and Siggers played basketball against each other on campus in Holland Hall. They had played each other twice during a span of a few weeks, each having won one game.

``We never got a chance to break that tie on Earth,'' Smith said, ``but we will be on the first team together, in Heaven.''

Siggers collapsed during the meeting in the school's science and technology building and died Sunday at about 3 p.m. Siggers had passed a routine physical exam on the Wednesday before his collapse. According to Dr. Hannibal Howell, Siggers had passed four physical exams since 1991 and showed no signs of physical defects that would limit or prevent participation in physical activities.

His parents said he had no history of medical problems or seizures. Autopsy results will be final in about two weeks.

``What else can we do but stay positive?'' said HU fullback and former Hampton High player Todd Summers. ``The good Lord came and took one of our brothers. All we can do is try to stay positive.''